Whatever
you're writing ~ fiction or nonfiction ~ readers will care about your story only
if they care about your people. In this workshop, you'll learn techniques for
creating fictional characters and depicting real people. You’ll learn how to
breathe life into the page so that your characters start telling you how the
story should go.

In Burlington on July 11, our guest speaker will be Jean Rae Baxter. Jean writes for both
an adult audience and for young adults. She is the author of seven books: two
short story collections, four young adult historical novels, and a
literary murder mystery, Looking for Cardenio.Her fifth historical novel,Hope’s Journey, will be released by
Ronsdale Press inSeptember. Jean's books and short stories have won
her many awards and critical recognition in Canada, the United States and
Israel. Visit her website at www.jeanraebaxter.ca.

What past participants say:

Hi, Brian. I just wanted to thank you for the “Writing Great
Characters” workshop on Saturday. I have been stalled in my writing, and
I realized at the workshop it was because I didn't have a clear picture of my
character's personality and motives. Your exercises and handouts have
inspired me and I'm happy to say I spent the rest of the weekend writing.
Writer's block conquered (for now, ha)! Looking forward to all the
upcoming workshops! ~Marina Unger

Have you ever considered writing your
memoirsor family history?This
workshop will introduce you to the tricks and conventions of telling true
stories and will show you how to use the techniques of the novel to recount
actual events. Whether you want to write for your family or for a wider public,
don't miss this workshop.

Workshop leaderBrian
Henryhas been a book editor and creative writing
instructor for more than 25 years. He publishes Quick Brown Fox,Canada’s
most popular blog for writers, teaches creative writing at Ryerson University
and has led workshops everywhere from Boston to Buffalo and from Sarnia to
Charlottetown. Along withCecilia-Anca Popescu, he is the co-author of Bloody Christmas, a memoir of love and revolution,which
is currently under consideration with a literary agent.But
his proudest boast is that he has helped many of his students get
published.

Brian Henry has been a book editor, writer, and creative writing instructor for more than 25 years. He teaches creative writing at Ryerson University. He also leads weekly creative writing courses in Burlington, Mississauga, Oakville and Georgetown and conducts Saturday workshops throughout Ontario. His proudest boast is that he has helped many of his students get published.